Stuart Ross:

Born into a proud brass banding family — with parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended relatives all active players — it was inevitable that I would follow the same musical path.

I began learning a brass instrument at the age of eight with the Barrow Concert Band. My first instruments were the cornet and trumpet, and I vividly recall performing Trumpet Voluntary at my junior school assembly at just nine years old.

My early tuition came from my mother, Brenda Ross, before I continued my studies under Graham Walker and Andrew Garbutt. After starting on cornet, I progressed to baritone and later to euphonium, where I was promoted to principal for a time before professional commitments required me to step away from playing.

What was intended as a short break became a 23-year hiatus, until 2019, when I returned to Lincolnshire and joined Barton Community Band on Bb Bass. After five rewarding years with the band, I officially joined the City of Hull Band in April 2025.

Career highlights so far include:

• Performing in a brass band alongside multiple generations of my family.
• Appearing at the Royal Albert Hall at the age of 18 under the baton of Harry Mortimer and
• Winning the Yorkshire Areas with Barrow Concert Band being the first band outside Yorkshire to win this award.